Eh, I've got some free time. I'll only include folks who have a solid concept decided on and/or something submitted, because there's been a lot of in-and-out interest and some indefinite comments on ideas.
Wuliev the Indignant--Zhong Daxia, Aasimar Inquisitor. Nodachi, emphasis on overwhelming power.
Insnare--Yumiko Ishii, Human Cleric/Fighter (Weapon Master). Nodachi, with a versatile style good for many situations.
Dax Thura--Tsumoro, Human Barbarian/Fighter. Earth breaker, used for inhuman strength and crushing attacks.
Tharasiph--Sigvald Derleth Waite, Human Swashbuckler (Noble Fencer). Cutlass, agile swordplay with tricks to disrupt opponents.
Oyzar--Unnamed, Human Magus (Bladebound, Kensai). Rapier?
The Lucky Halfling--Unnamed, Tiefling Fighter. Katana, emphasis on intimidation and power.
JoeLudwick--Sung Wo, Human Shaman. Non-swordsman.
Loup Blanc--Shinobu Jing-yi, Human Swashbuckler (Veiled Blade, Whirling Dervish). Katana, emphasis on defensive swordplay and nonlethal techniques.
wanderer82--Vashiro Hitaki, Human Ranger/Rogue. Dual wakizashis, death of a thousand cuts style.
I think that's everybody at this point. If I missed people, I apologize.
You missed me, and I have a complete sheet, background and concept for quite a while.
Just curious, but how are you managing to flurry with armor? Normally wearing armor removes that possibility.
My character will be using a chokuto (mechanically a rapier) utilizing lighting fast stabs and thrusts combined with actual lighting to penetrate deep into the enemy.
I hope I'm not too late to the party here, but after recently watching all of the Avatar series and reading through this, I'm really liking the idea of a mystic bushi who commands heaven itself, striking down the enemies of his daimyo with lightning he has wrested from the storm.
Mechanically, an air kineticist who fights primarily with kinetic blade and kinetic whip (easily representing katana and naginata composed of lightning). He'd also offer some utility with the non-combat kineticist abilities.
As per usual, naming the character seems to be one of the most difficult things I can do. Beyond that, I have most of the mechanics figured out and I'm working on a background and description to fit the character.
A quick list of character highlights:
- Oni-Spawn Tiefling from a family proud of their heritage.
- Trained to make use of his heritage through methods of intimidation and brutality.
- Uses fire ink to make tattoos that depict both his heritage and life.
- His armor and clothing are designed to allow the light produced from his tattoos to accent his attire, giving a hellish glow to his persona.
- While his class is fighter, he carries himself as a samurai.
- Being part of a noble family, he is versed in matters concerning history and nobility. This includes the use of the diplomacy skill and formal training in how to ride a horse.
Seeing as I was not using my ranks for having a intelligence of 12, I went ahead and invested in Handle Animal. This also has led me to purchase a combat trained heavy horse that the character has been training for the past few levels. I went ahead and paid the full price for the combat trained horse despite the fact that I am portraying the training as having been done by my character.
Woops, sorry. If I make another list at some point, or someone else does, I'll be sure to include you.
adsapiens--Akatsu Horami, Human Fighter (Two-Handed)/Monk (Unchained). Seven-branched sword, mixing strong swordsmanship with power-driven martial arts.
DM Nate - Would you be opposed to letting a Tiefling take the Human Race Trait - Keeper of the Ancestral Scrolls? I feel like it fits my character well.
@akatsu- I can't remember if it was you or someone else who asked, but seven-branched sword is not available (per the swords document)*. As I told Dax/Tsumoro, if you're married to the idea you can apply as is and I might consider a non-swordsman combatant slot . Otherwise, temple sword is on the list and can be wielded in two-hands for extra damage as often as you like?
*ok, I know that in pathfinder this is considered a sword... it just doesn't fit the aesthetic of the cowboy/swordsman that I'm going for; that's why its not on my list.
@Zefig- not too late at all! I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Thank you, Loup, for compiling the list! I'm going to introduce some sorting (feel free to comment if you think you're sorted improperly). These are broad categories and there's certainly room within them for more than one player, if you do a good job distinguishing yourselves (mechanically as well as fluff-wise).
Non-swordsman
JoeLudwick--Sung Wo, Human Shaman. (non-combatant)*
Dax Thura--Tsumoro, Human Barbarian/Fighter. (Earth breaker, 2H/PA)
adsapiens--Akatsu Horami, Human Fighter/Monk. (7b sword, 2H/PA)
One Handed Swordsman
Flynxmo--???, ??? Swashbuckler. (???)*
Tharasiph--Sigvald Waite, Human Swashbuckler. (Cutlass, 'tricks')
Oyzar--???, Human Magus. (Rapier, ki magic)
Loup Blanc--Shinobu Jing-yi, Human Swashbuckler. (Katana, def/non-lethal)
Two-handed Swordsman
Wuliev--Zhong Daxia, Aasimar Inquisitor. (Nodachi, divine)
Insnare--Yumiko Ishii, Human Cleric/Fighter. (Nodachi, versatility)
The Lucky Halfling--???, Tiefling Fighter. (Katana, intimidation)
Dual Wielding Swordsman
wanderer82--Vashiro Hitaki, Human Ranger/Rogue. (wakizashis)
@TLH- if you take the scion of humanity racial ability then you would qualify for a human race trait (along with feats/archetypes/etc); if you don't take it then you are not eligible.
Is there a Tiefling version? I'm seeing Pass for Human.
Pass for Human is the one for tieflings. It's a lot more restrictive than Scion of Humanity though. There is also adopted to get a human racial trait if that's the only thing you want (though I imagine Critical Versatility is nice for a human katana user).
I remember there being two other magi. Where did they go? It would probably be more beneficial for the party if I went normal magus instead of kensai, but it would make my character less of a swordsman and add a lot of armor that seems out of place for the character.
@akatsu- I can't remember if it was you or someone else who asked, but seven-branched sword is not available (per the swords document)*. As I told Dax/Tsumoro, if you're married to the idea you can apply as is and I might consider a non-swordsman combatant slot . Otherwise, temple sword is on the list and can be wielded in two-hands for extra damage as often as you like?
*ok, I know that in pathfinder this is considered a sword... it just doesn't fit the aesthetic of the cowboy/swordsman that I'm going for; that's why its not on my list.@Zefig- not too late at all! I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
I'll modify him to use a Temple Sword instead! I like the seven-branch one for obvious reasons (mechanically and visually very cool) but it works with temple sword as well. Please consider him a swordsman.
I was planning on taking Pass for Human, I just was not thinking about it while I was looking at the trait. The plan was to appear human, but to use the resistances to have fun with the fire ink tattoos. I just enjoy that idea of fiery light coming forth from beneath his armor.
I'm sorry, I did mean pass for human (thanks for catching that Oyzar). I'll correct the race guide accordingly.
Cool, no worries. Glad I had something that would work. I just like the fact that he is turning himself into a living record of his heritage with his tattoos.
I plan to have my final submission in by tomorrow evening, to full specifications of the expectations given. I have all of the fluff and crunch in order, I am just presently ill and cannot devote enough mental energy to write anything down in a manner that's more than short-hand.
@Oyzar- there were a few other magi pitches, they either pulled out or haven't posted enough to be included... This list will probably still be growing at least a little bit before we close.
I'll post a revised application list once per day (if there are any revisions, I won't repost the same list if there are no changes).
Wow, I just realized there are no substantial applications that use the samurai class...
As much as I hate to say it, the samurai class from Pathfinder is pretty lackluster compared to other options. Even the cavalier is better in some ways, especially now that the Daring Champion archetype lets you play a swordsman who challenges people. And the Sword Saint... the Sword Saint sucks so much.
Also, I got my fluff stuff finished. It's a little longer than expected. I think the biggest influences are also pretty clear.
The Shinobu family extends back many generations, into the distant past. It is best traced to one man, Shinobu Ikari. You've likely heard of him, yes? He was a skilled swordsman, but even moreso, he was a master swordsmith. But his was a path of rage, anger--even his name, Ire. His swords were no mere tools of war, they were harbingers of death and misery. His last and greatest creation, a blade forged of silver to prove he might create a fine weapon even of soft metal, drank blood the same day it was finished. Ikari Shutoku, the blade is called, and it has been passed down through the family as an heirloom, along with our clan's unique style of swordplay: Ikari Shutoku-Ryu.
So it came that this one studied the family style in youth, and came to possess Ire's Mastery. That style was one of death, like the blade which spawned it. It drove this one to violence, to criminal acts in the name of bloodshed. But there is law in this land. And when a villager stood up to our band one day, we thought it a joke. We laughed and moved forward, all until the villager drew a sword and struck us down in a breath's passing. The others fought on, but this one threw down his sword. The stranger was too strong, and felled even this one in a single stroke of his blade.
When this one awoke, it was a surprise, truly. But the stranger--a ronin, as it turned out--explained that this one was spared for his surrender. No man is beyond redemption who might offer sincere atonement, and only those who steadfastly defy reason and justice must be laid low. The ronin's words rang true, and brilliant. He spoke of true justice, of peace, of kindness, of forgiveness. This one sought these things, and offered his life to the ronin. So began the true training.
Tentai-Bi Yurushi-Ryu: Celestial Sun Absolution style. This is the style of the ronin. It is not widely known, or widely taught; today, there are perhaps a dozen swordsmen who know its secrets. Tentai-Bi Yurushi-Ryu is a defensive style, used to defuse violence without causing greater death. This one can disarm, can drop a foe without fear of great injury or death. Of course, the blade is still sharp when it must be used for such. The passivity of the style also lends itself to a keen eye, a scent for danger, and a skill for remaining below notice.
Now you have come, and this one knows why. Many men like yourself seek protection, both obvoius and hidden, and it is this second which has brought you here. Every assassin expects the man in armor to defend his charge, but what of the beef merchant at the stall nearby? What of the old man watching the birds? What of the hidden sword, lurking in the shadow they do not search? This one has safeguarded many men these years, and none have fallen under his watch.
Shinobu Jing-yi is at your service, sir. Though you may not see me, may not know me, know you are under guard. You will reach your home alive and well.
Jing-yi is a soft-spoken man with a fairly passive attitude; he tends to let verbal conflicts flow over him without arguing back, and doesn't often insert himself into others' conversations if he can help it. Jing-yi is more interested in quietly assisting others than furthering any secret goals he may have of his own, and he seems only too willing to sacrifice for another he respects. One subject, however, seems able to raise Jing-yi's passion, and quickly at that: the possibility of redeeming those who have erred in their ways. He argues angrily against any hardline "moralists" who believe in killing wiithout good cause, and will always offer surrender and life to his enemies if he can.
Tentai-Bi Yurushi-Ryu--often shortened simply to Yurushi-Ryu--is an uncommon style practiced only by a few adherents, although many of its practicioners have been fairly well-known swordsmen. Yurushi-Ryu is a defensive style built around a theory of nonlethal swordsmanship: while perfectly capable of lethality, and fearsome when used as such, it is most commonly used to protect oneself and others, and true students of the style are obligated to put down those who corrupt its skills for violence. The forms incorporated in Yurushi-Ryu are based around blocks and dodges more than straightforward attacks, although its offensive techniques are devastating when used to their full extent. Interestingly, the style has several attacks designed specifically for taking on larger groups--further cementing its use to protect, and further increasing its capacity for ruthless destruction.
Hey all, I am one of the other guaranteed players for this campaign. I'll be playing a swashbuckler who is DEX based and uses a one-handed sword ... but with flair. He'll also be good at getting other people to see things from his perspective... or bold-face lying.
Without going back to double check I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure there was at least one person who said they were going to apply as a sword saint... So there may still be a samurai or two before recruitment ends. I'm more surprised that nobody has applied with a genasi at all...
Hiro- thanks for checking in! Let me know when you have some more crunch ready, please.
@nate: I can't find much, but did anyone ask about the VMC? I'm modifying my monk, but wanted to double check my options.
About a completely different concept, I know you mention occult already, so I guess the Mind Blade paladin would be fair game? As in flying blades with his mind? ;)
Well I use a one handed sword with dirty tricks and I plan to win by hook or by crook or by grabbing that handy thing over there.. ha! made you look..
But beware I will look down on you and expect you to be swayed by .. whatever words I think will most impress you.
I'm finishing up with changes on the background, but the character changes should be ready already (plus lots of links, descriptions etc. which are on the profile). I should have the updated background soon.
@Chess- variant multiclassing is fine, though I prefer you don't mix it with standard multiclassing. Actually, I have a little pet project I've been working on- reworking and expanding the VMC stuff... If you pm me what you're looking for I might have something for you? You can apply as a mind blade if you want, just remember that psychics may be judged more harshly (though you might be able to overcome that by properly reflavoring things).
@nate: Interesting! I just PM'd you.
EDIT: The background is now modified and added again. Profile complete, once again ;)
@Akatsu- looking at your build (just a little) I think you're better off with the one level dip. If you use VMC instead you'd lose your 3rd and 7th level feats and it'd be tough to pull off what you're doing that way. If you still want more info anyway you can PM me again (or say so here) and I'll get you some.
I'll keep the dip! I like it a lot right now. Submission ready sir!
Sung Wo is also ready. (I think?)
Wuliev here, still pretty sick. Was able to drum the fluff together however.
Let me know what you think. I'll have the crunch up in the morning (hopefully).
Well I use a one handed sword with dirty tricks and I plan to win by hook or by crook or by grabbing that handy thing over there.. ha! made you look..
But beware I will look down on you and expect you to be swayed by .. whatever words I think will most impress you.
You will look up to me for you are shorter than I am. And it will take action to impress me.
Sigvald is finally done.. sorry for the long background it just ran away with me.
I'll try get the other one done.
@Mordred- hmm... I did not intend that interaction around the dueling sword... Dueling mastery does solve the issue but I'll also think about a way to change the wording of the feats to resolve it.
I am complete. Please let me know if anything else offends.
did reckless drop out? or did we miss him on the lists?
Good catch Sung Wo, adding him to the revised list...
Non-swordsman
JoeLudwick--Sung Wo, Human Shaman. (non-combatant)*
Dax Thura--Tsumoro, Human Barbarian/Fighter. (Earth breaker, 2H/PA)
One Handed Swordsman
Flynxmo--Hiro Tawa, ??? Swashbuckler. (???, bluff)*
Tharasiph--Sigvald Waite, Human Swashbuckler. (Cutlass, 'tricks')
Oyzar--???, Human Magus. (Rapier, ki magic)
Loup Blanc--Shinobu Jing-yi, Human Swashbuckler. (Katana, def/non-lethal)
MordredofFairy--???, Human Fighter. (Dueling Sword, defensive)
Two-handed Swordsman
Wuliev--Zhong Daxia, Aasimar Inquisitor. (Nodachi, divine)
Insnare--Yumiko Ishii, Human Cleric/Fighter. (Nodachi, versatility)
The Lucky Halfling--???, Tiefling Fighter. (Katana, intimidation)
adsapiens--Akatsu Horami, Human Cleric/Monk. (Greatsword, 2H/PA)
reckless--Kenoichi Harida, Human fighter. (Greatsword, cleave)
Dual Wielding Swordsman
wanderer82--Vashiro Hitaki, Human Ranger/Rogue. (wakizashis)
@nate: I'm using a greatsword brother, and it's monk/cleric. ;)
Sorry, fixed.
Edit: Mordred here...
@Feats: No worries there. It really IS simpler if I dip into Swordlord PRC before moving on to duelist, which solves the problem and does not require any alterations on your part for a single weapon.(I admit I missed that Dueling Mastery, which I intend to fetch anyway, also provides the "counts as piercing" the first time I looked - and this way, I don't even have to pick up a "tax" feat).
As I used a profile that already was in use, very shortly, very long time ago, but past 10 posts, the name will remain: "Saria Adura" - just mentioning because I'm listed as ?????.
Edit: Come to think of it, with the Alias already past renaming/deleting, I can as well post with it in the Recruitment to more easily link it.
I'd like to point out that a nodachi is, for whatever reason, a polearm. I was looking up weapon groups and I thought that was funny for whatever reason, so I'm sharing the chuckle.
Spear Dancing Style Nodachi. I'm not sure how that would work considering Spear Dancing Style relies on the shaft of the spear and a nodachi has a hilt.
I don't think I'm gonna try for that, though. I have an idea for a sort of CG wandering hero using a naginata with Spear Dancing Style. I'm thinking rogue for some good old party versatility. Since Spear Dancing Spiral lets you use Weapon Finesse with a single polearm of your choosing, and the Unchained Rogue's finesse training just specifies "any one type of weapon that can be used with Weapon Finesse", could an Unchained Rogue weapon finesse a naginata and get Finesse Training with it?
@Mordred- I'll add your name next time I update the list
re: Nodachi- some nodachi did have a pretty long hilt, similar to a nagamaki. Im surprised they classified it as a polearm but we can roll with it (we have plenty of sword options, including a number of two-handers).
re:spear-dance/quarterstaff master- this is very feat intensive but if someone wants to build for it I have no objection. I don't want to give any spoilers for anyone who might play that AP but I was running a gestalt Rise of the Runelords and the BBEG was a wizard/staff magus who used that combo for his polearm.
I was fondly reminiscing about the aforementioned wizard/staff magus and thinking about the feat cost... I think to make the whole thing really work you need 9 feats:
- weapon focus (Nodachi or Naginata)
- weapon focus (quarterstaff)
- weapon finesse
- two weapon fighting
- spear dancing style
- spear dancing spiral
- quarterstaff mastery
Theses 7 allow you to one hand the weapon, or to 2WF with it...
- spear dancing reach
- deadly agility
These 2 aren't technically necessary but make a big difference.
I can see three four* ways you could pull this off in this game:
- Human Fighter. 9 feats at 7th level, you can take everything
- Human Warpriest. With racial FCB and a free weapon focus you total 9 feats too. (And the off hand attack when you 2WF would benefit from sacred weapon damage.)
- Human Staff Magus. Free Quarterstaff Mastery is functionally 2 feats. 5th level bonus feat brings you up to functionally 8... So you'd have to pick between deadly agility and spear dancing reach.
edit- Fighter 3/uRogue 4. Unchained rogue functionally gets weapon finesse and deadly agility for free, plus with the combat trick and weapon training rogue talents you actually end up with more feats than a fighter... Even a non-human would have one feat leftover (if my math is correct). The trade off here is that you have to figure out exactly what levels to take each class (so that your weapon will qualify for finesse training by rogue 3).
I'm just throwing that out there in case anyone wants to play but is struggling with a concept... (Or wants to play a spear dancer build but was having trouble bringing it together).
I just changed something on Sigvald I swapped Power Attack for Quick Dirty Trick feat.. much more appropriate.
Staff Magus needs to pay for proficiency in their polearm, bringing them down to 7 feats. Deadly Agility is 3pp, as well, so we can't use it here.
Shoot, I forgot about their proficiencies... A 1 level fighter dip fixes that and gets you the last feat, though I know losing caster levels isn't great. (A 2 level dip would actually get you an extra feat, and your caster level could be maxed with a trait- you would miss out on some spells though.)
I didn't realize there was a published 3pp deadly agility, but if you look at the feats document (linked in the revised character creation document) I have included my homebrewed deadly agility feat as an option.
Deadly agility is the name of the PoW dex to damage feat. I was sure you picked the name because it's basically just a tiny bit nerfed version of that feat.
I was planning on making my character quite good at bluffing, but seeing as one of the already selected players is also going for bluff as a one handed swordsman, it might be better to go for something else. I'm awaiting your option for VMC swashbuckler and/or inspired blade before I do further tweaking though.
As an alternative to bluff, maybe intimidate is an option. For that I would really like the following though:
A) Would you allow pirhana strike to apply to a rapier or other weapon finesse weapon?
B) Would you let pirhana strike qualify for and work with cornegoun smash?